Happy Birthday wish from Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News sports columnist: "(Happy Birthday to) the coach I covered with both the Sooners and the Cowboys. As maybe the only beat writer that covered you at OU and Dallas, my only question is: What's our next stop?"

1995: Switzer with The Star
Switzer joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1994 and won the Super Bowl in 1995.

“The man that I love like a brother, the best-hearted guy that I've ever been around.”

Dean Blevins, former OU quarterback

“A man who has been my coach and friend for some 40 years. A remarkable father, admired by millions — especially his family, former players and Oklahomans whose lives he's touched with a genuine and unselfish love.”

David Boren, University of Oklahoma president

“A great example of the Sooner spirit.”

Brian Bosworth, former OU linebacker

“My favorite Sooner of all time.”

John Brooks, former OU play-by-play voice

“A coach who could generate enthusiasm (in players) and belief in themselves. What he did in recruiting the black athlete opened the doors for so many others, in addition to the ones who played at Oklahoma.”

Mike Brooks, OU football historian

“A champion at life. Gosh, he's honest. He had warts, he had spots, he had problems, but, man, what a winner.”

Mack Brown, Texas coach

“A great friend since 1984. What a tremendous, hall of fame coach. I wish him all the best on his big day.”

Frank Broyles, former Arkansas coach and athletic director

“A Razorback letterman coaching three NCAA championships and a Super Bowl championship. What gives me the most pride is the kind of man you are and the thousands of lives you have touched along the way.”

Joe Castiglione, OU athletic director

“A Hall of Fame coach no doubt, but being a champion for the needs of others defines what you're all about.”

Sherri Coale, OU women's basketball coach

“A coach who taught us all that relationships are the foundation of every success. And for being the best storyteller alive. Honored to call you my friend.”

Derek Cody, OU fan living in Starkville, Miss.

“The thorn in Texas' side, the man who perfected the wishbone and how to be a champion, the man who will always be our coach.”

Patrick Collins, former OU halfback

“A man that has really been a father figure to me. He's someone who cares about people more than himself.”

Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News sports columnist

“The coach I covered with both the Sooners and the Cowboys. As maybe the only beat writer that covered you at OU and Dallas, my only question is: What's our next stop?”

Steve Davis, former OU quarterback

“The master wizard of ‘Sooner Magic!' It was Coach Switzer's heart and passion that challenged his players to make magic on those wonderful Saturday afternoons. His genius was in his ability to inspire his teams to play their best in the biggest games.”

Adrian DeWendt, Special Olympics Oklahoma president and CEO

“The man who has been the Special Olympics Oklahoma head coach for more than 40 years, never missing an opening ceremonies in all those years. You have inspired and encouraged countless athletes, coaches, volunteers and friends with your humble dedication.”

Jim Donnan, former OU offensive coordinator

“An awesome coach and a genuine friend. He was the best coach I ever worked for. His ability to motivate players and delegate authority to coaches is unmatched.”

Donnie Duncan, former OU athletic director and assistant coach

“A special and talented man, but your greatest legacy will be that as the head coach at Oklahoma. Your openness brought hope into homes where there was little hope. In the process, every player had a fair chance and millions were uplifted by seeing on TV how one man could — and did — make a difference. ”

Al Eschbach, sports talk radio host

“The man who was a lot more than just a recruiter. He's a tremendous Xs and Os coach.”

Chuck Fairbanks, former OU coach

“A great friend. Barry was like a younger brother to me. He was totally outstanding as a coach and a friend. Like all of us, we probably could look back and say there are some things we'd like to do over again, but when you look at the total body of work, it's a pretty darn outstanding career he's had and I'm awfully proud of that.”

Mike Gaddis, former OU running back

“The reason for my choosing the Sooners over the (USC) Trojans back in 1987. Thanks for still being ‘coach' for me even until this day. I know I can always call on you whenever for whatever. ”

Randy Galloway, Fort Worth Star sports columnist

“The man who made 75. You'll be there at 125. Let me be the first to say, as your worst critic back in your Cowboy days, I was too hard on you, Barry. I was too hard on you.”

“My old coach. It was great to play for you and learn from you. I wish you the very best when you celebrate this milestone.”

Mike Gundy, OSU coach

“A guy who a lot of people had a hard time saying ‘no' to. He just has that way about him where it's real easy to like him, especially in recruiting.”

Heather Hancock, Special Olympics Oklahoma athlete from Moore

“An awesome head coach, who presented me with the Oklahoma athlete of the year award at the Special Olympics summer state games in 2011. Thank you for dedicating 40 years of service to Special Olympics Oklahoma.”

The family of Bob Hersom, who covered Switzer's Sooners for The Oklahoman

“A bootlegger's boy to Super Bowl champion, winning national college football championships along the way. You have embraced life at every turn.”

Scott Hill, former OU assistant coach

“To the man who drove me across campus and showed me where the Baptist Student Union was located to live with Joe Wiley. My special thanks for showing how to express concern, love, loyalty and compassion for all people and in all situations.”

Becky Switzer, wife

“The best husband and friend ever.”

Jamelle Holieway, former OU quarterback

“One of the best people that I've ever met in my life, whether it's a coach or a friend or a father. I appreciate you always being straight up and coming forward to tell me what I need to do and what I need to do make it better.”

Keith Jackson, former OU tight end

“The greatest player's coach of all time. A lot of people measure success on how many games they win. He measures his success on the relationships he has.”

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